If you have seen PML`s Dura-Chute parachutes out on the field, you know that we have the best parachutes on the market! Starting with the PAR-60 (60" diameter), we add heavy duty reinforcement webbing to each seam of the chute. This includes the seams between every panel, the skirt, the apex, and cord attach points. These are extemely rugged chutes!

"PML chutes were judged the highest in overall ratings of strength, quality, and appearance as published in the December 1998 HPR Magazine report The Great Parachute Driftoff."

All PML parachutes have a spill hole at the apex to reduce sway and drift. Approximate sizes (they may vary slightly) for the spill holes are shown below.

Also offered are Tubular Nylon Shock Cord, as well as various sizes of nylon recovery strap used in our piston systems. Tubular Nylon is many times stronger than elastic and is used in place of elastic for shock cord tethering. See our Complete FAQ on the FAQ Page for details on shock cord and strapping selection.

Parachute Sizing Upgrades -- PML chutes are sized for Midwestern and Eastern flying, as opposed to the open areas and hard landing surfaces of many Western sites. We size our chutes for minimal drift for smaller landing sites, while still allowing a safe descent rate into the grassy areas prevalent in the Midwest and East. However, if you`re flying in Western areas where drift is not as much a concern and where landing areas are harder (such as desert playa), or if you`re flying from high-elevation launch sites with lower-density air, we can upsize the chute in your kit. Upgrade pricing will vary depending upon the base and upgrade chute. As always, just ask when you order...PML will work with you on anything you`d like to do, kit or scratchbuild.

You`ll find the ability to upgrade to the next-size chute as a simple checkbox right in the area of the kit you`re ordering. As noted above, the pricing varies depending on the original and upgrade chute size.

If you’re scratchbuilding, check out our FAQ sheet for recommendations on piston strapping and shock cord selection criteria. Also check out the Parachute Size vs. Weight Chart for information on selection of PML `chutes for the weight of your rocket.

The PML Piston ejection system is the most reliable and effective ejection system ever developed for high power rocketry. You will never again need to stuff your rocket full of wadding or fiberglass insulation. Partial ejection caused by blow-by as well as burnt parachutes will become a thing of the past. Also, the nylon/rayon piston retaining strap is heat resistant and vastly reduces the zip cord effect encountered during early or late ejection by spreading the force over a much wider area than rope or cable. (The system must be incorporated during initial assembly).

The operation of the piston system is quite simple. The piston sits in the airframe "over" the motor and "under" the parachute. It is attached to the motor mount via the nylon strap which is epoxied to both the motor mount and the piston itself. When the ejection charge goes off, the pressurization between the motor and the piston bottom pushes the piston upward, which separates the rocket and pushes the chute out. That`s all there is to it. No special prep needed, nothing to do...just push in the piston, load the chute, and you`re done.